Peel board to sign agreement with Excel Hoops

​Non-profit, co-ed basketball preparation program to open September 2019​

The Peel District School Board will enter into a partnership agreement with Excel Hoops to offer a basketball preparation (prep) program. Beginning September 2019, the basketball prep program will be offered at Turner Fenton Secondary School in Brampton and will be geared towards top-level student athletes who train year-round in basketball. In its inaugural year, Excel Hoops are expected to form two junior teams with 28 student athletes (14 male and 14 female) in grades 9 and 10.

"In Peel, we're committed to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education with many opportunities to achieve their personal goals. This is why we're excited to partner with Excel Hoops," says Adrian Graham, superintendent of curriculum and instruction support services. "Just as their coaches and trainers are committed to helping them achieve athletic excellence, we too are equally committed to helping these student athletes be a part of a school where they will be supported to learn, achieve academically and contribute as valued members of the Turner Fenton community."

The basketball players from across and outside of Ontario, who are selected by Excel Hoops to be a part of the prep program, will be registered as Turner Fenton students. They will be expected to meet the full academic requirements of their courses and adhere to Turner Fenton's Code of Conduct. Students in the prep program will be coached and trained by professional coaches and trainers employed by Excel Hoops, and will not compete in any Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) sanctioned games. Turner Fenton will continue to run a school basketball program team (separate from the prep team) that will compete in ROPSSAA.

"We're extremely excited to offer an opportunity for top-level talent to join a prep program committed to developing complete student athletes with the potential to achieve excellence at the next level. Our unique approach to player development is founded on our extensive professional training and playing experience, and bolstered by the top sporting facilities and academic environment offered by Turner Fenton Secondary School," says former professional player Edson Jones, who is also head coach and director of training and skills development with Excel Hoops.

Applications to the Excel Hoops prep program are not being accepted through the Peel board or through Turner Fenton. Families/Players must contact Excel Hoops directly to learn more about their recruitment process, which they run independently. Excel Hoops will host an information night on Jan. 23, 2019, for parents and prospective players to ask questions and learn about everything the program will offer. Tryouts will be held on Jan. 27, 2019, for the boys' team and Jan. 29, 2019, for the girls' team. For more information and to apply for the prep program, visit www.excelhoops.com.

Excel Hoops is a non-profit organization who strives to create leaders in the community, and instill in students a strong work ethic, integrity, and a sense of responsibility to themselves and others. Their team approach combined with their world class player development program ensures that students leave Excel Hoops Prep equipped with the tools to take the next step in their careers.

The Peel board serves approximately 155,000 students in kindergarten to grade 12. Operating 257 schools in the municipalities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, the Peel board is the largest employer in the Peel Region. For more information, visit the board's website at www.peelschools.org.